The first residents have moved into a new 541-home development in Welwyn Garden City.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The former Xerox complex in Bessemer Road, now known as Times Square,is being developed by Chase New Homes. Picture: Chase New HomesThe former Xerox complex in Bessemer Road, now known as Times Square,is being developed by Chase New Homes. Picture: Chase New Homes (Image: Archant)

The former Xerox complex in Bessemer Road, now known as Times Square, is being developed by Chase New Homes after it gained planning permission in August last year.

It is the largest housing development currently under construction in the town.

The first phase of building saw 105 homes handed over to Metropolitan Housing Trust.

A total of 184 homes are due for completion this year, of which 75 will be shared ownership homes giving first time buyers a chance to get on the housing ladder.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: The former Xerox complex in Bessemer Road, now known as Times Square,is being developed by Chase New Homes. Picture: Chase New HomesThe former Xerox complex in Bessemer Road, now known as Times Square,is being developed by Chase New Homes. Picture: Chase New Homes (Image: Archant)

The site consists of 331 new-build properties and 210 within the converted office buildings.

A spokesman for Chase New Homes says an agreement has been secured with the adjacent Tesco headquarters for residents to use their shuttle bus free of charge at peak times to get to and from the train station.

Tesco has also installed a bus stop on the site.

Alan Ward, planning director at Chase New Homes, said: “Disappointingly we’ve seen other developments fail to meet the Council’s 30 per cent affordable housing policy.

“At Times Square this will be exceeded and the housing is being delivered quickly.

“This is great news for local people and for the council in meeting its housing targets, particularly on a site so close to the town centre.”